California Assembly Floor — July 18, 2026
By Ivory Sihashath, 2026 CLA Intern
Civic engagement is not just voting or protesting; it's about engaging through educational means to get to know your government. Even though I have been to Sacramento before for an academic trip, my trip this time to Sacramento was highly impactful for me career-wise. I gained so much information on California politics and public policy, as well as how I can shape my career around leadership and public policy. An especially powerful moment that stood out to me was when we were in the Assembly Gallery, overlooking all the Assembly members on our last day. It was fascinating to see how Assemblymembers voted on bills and measures, and the important people they wanted to introduce to the floor. It really showed me how Californians pick their leaders to represent them in shaping state policy and presenting issues they care about. An important takeaway for me was forging not just professional, but meaningful connections during the trip. Whether it be with CAUSE staff or my fellow cohort members, these connections, I hope, will last me throughout my career. Through this, thanks to Rachel [2026 CAUSE Programs Intern], she gave me meaningful advice regarding my career and deciding where I want to pursue my career, state-wise. An interesting discussion that stood out to me during the program were panel style discussions with the Alumni, who offered advice for our time in the CLA. There is often discussion of what civic engagement looks like. I feel in broader aspects, participating in youth programs and wanting and having the strive to learn constantly about your local government, and working and communicating with like-minded individuals, to strive for civic participation. Above all, this orientation week was not just fun for me; it was civically educational and career-focused. Coming from Arizona, I found it fascinating to see how there was a supermajority in the California legislature, and how busy and bustling the staffers and State Senate and Assembly members were operating for their constituents.